Bosworth 1485: The Downfall of Richard III

A new interpretation of the events surrounding the Battle of Bosworth,the climactic battle of the Wars of the Roses,has led to a re-examination of the story. The battle,which took place in 1485,resulted in the death of King Richard III and the ascension of Henry Tudor to the English throne.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 18 February 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The Battle of Bosworth, the climactic battle of the Wars of the Roses, is the subject of a groundbreaking study that reinterprets events following the discovery of the true location of the battlefield. The War of the Roses, a dynastic struggle between the houses of York and Lancaster that dominated England in the second half of the 15th century, reached its zenith with the battle of Bosworth. Edward IV, who secured the throne for the house of York, tragically passed away in 1483, followed by the deaths of his sons and the ascension of his brother, Richard of York, to the throne. This marked the beginning of a renewed outbreak of fighting, with Richard facing threats not only from the lords he alienated but also from the Lancastrian faction waiting in the wings.

Henry Tudor, determined to seize the throne, took a significant risk by attempting to do so. Richards army, led by the legendary commander King Richard III, marched to meet him, ultimately clashing near Market Bosworth. This comprehensive treatment of one of the most pivotal events in English history guides the reader from the campaign's origins to its aftermath, covering the commanders and forces of King Richard III and Henry Tudor.

In the 20th century, the story of Bosworth underwent a transformative shift as a comprehensive survey conducted between 2005 and 2009 by the Battlefields Trust pinpointed the location of the battlefield, a subject that had long been a source of debate and controversy. This new history is based on that interpretation, highlighting the incredible discovery of Richard III's remains in Leicester. The study of the bones, coupled with historical research, sheds light on what was previously thought to have happened to him at the end of the battle.

The Battle of Bosworth marked a significant turning point in English history, as it sealed the fate of the Lancastrian dynasty and established the Tudor dynasty as the ruling house. It also marked the end of the Wars of the Roses, a period of intense conflict and political intrigue that had plagued England for decades. The discovery of Richard III's remains has further enriched our understanding of this pivotal event and has shed light on the complex and fascinating character of one of England's most notorious monarchs.

Weight: 310g
Dimension: 184 x 247 x 8 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472843418